Guy Davies, EPSA  


Downward Spiral by Guy Davies, EPSA

August 2018 - Downward Spiral

About the Image(s)

Time for another staircase shot - I hope I’m not boring you all. This was taken in a London department store that had a superb spiral staircase (technically it’s a helix but most people call them spirals). I enjoyed the wonderfully ornate handrail and wanted to feature that, but also wanted to emphasise the height of the staircase. I thought the view looking down achieved this better than the view looking up. I was using a Nikon D7100 and used the 10.5 mm fisheye lens to enhance the perspective effect. I could only take the shot hand held, leaning over the handrail, but I had to be very careful to get the composition I wanted, without getting my feet in the picture. I also needed to compromise with shutter speed, ISO and aperture because I wanted the full depth of field, minimum sensor noise and a speed high enough to hand hold. I braced myself against the handrail and took the shot at 1/5 sec at f/9 and ISO 400 and it seemed to be OK. Back home I made some adjustments in the RAW converter and then took it into Photoshop where I made a number of detail adjustments, including darkening the windows and lightening the centre.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted




Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Guy, you do not need a tripod, sell it on ebay or equivalent... Now seriously, it is impressive how you were able to achieve a real sharp image handholding and using 1/5 sec. It is another stairway masterpiece for your collection. By now you should be able at least to print a 12 month calendar dedicated to staircases. The colors and white balance are well handled. The fish eye gives you the desired effect of depth keeping it sharp as well.   Posted: 08/06/2018 08:36:43



 
You did a great job with the fisheye and it gives me the impression of an Escher image. Great to know that at your age you could still get such a sharp image handheld. Could almost give me vertigo.   Posted: 08/06/2018 14:52:12
Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
"Escher image" We learn about a lot of things in this group. Thanks   Posted: 08/06/2018 15:17:11



 
Really amazing image Guy! I have to do staircases for a local camera club challenge this month but I don't have anything grand like this in my town that I know of to capture :) I'm always quite impressed by how you can do your images handheld which is really a stunning feat in and of itself. The focus on this image is so sharp and the curves are done in such a dizzying perspective. Really amazing work. At times, I don't really know if I'm looking UP (seeing the underside of a staircase) or DOWN a staircase (seeing the steps themselves) which is what makes the photo so disconcerting in its nature.   Posted: 08/07/2018 21:00:47



Guy Davies   Guy Davies
I just had a second look at the original and noticed that I did get my feet in, so I had to clone them out! Thanks for all your nice comments about hand holding at 1/5 sec. It was a fisheye lens so it's not like holding a tele lens. Also, I was braced firmly against the handrail, so holding it wasn't too bad. I was pleasantly surprised, though, when I looked at the back of the camera to see that it was sharp.   Posted: 08/08/2018 09:32:32



Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Dr Staircase strikes again and long may you continue to astound us with your amazing compositions of staircases,I have an 8mm Fisheye for my 70D and boy do I empathise with you about feet in pictures tilt it down slightly and you have to stand like a mime artist walking against gale force winds to keep the feet out.
Seriously Guy superb place to choose for your image as always spot on composition,tone and lighting and if you do take up Isaacs idea of a calender could I put my name down for an autogrpahed copy.   Posted: 08/13/2018 14:42:28



Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
I would consider your perspective on this image to be perfect Guy. The circular bannister provides a leading line that can't help viewers eyes fall right to the bottom of the bldg. and they should notice everything this image has to offer, on the way down. This rendering is tack sharp, where it needs to be, and it is blessed with striking yet relaxing color. Isaac presented a good idea in using your 12 best for a calendar.   Posted: 08/16/2018 11:27:16



Bill Buchanan   Bill Buchanan
What a great view. Your image is sharp throughout. Having a Fisheye lens is always a plus in any photographers bag. I do find my eye drawn into the darker areas of the stair and away from the lighter areas of the left. I would try to do some selective darkening of those areas. Just my opinion.   Posted: 08/23/2018 09:41:10